Jepson praises Millers decision to ban 'racist'

By Jack Nolan
April 13 2007

Gillingham manager Ronnie Jepson has backed Rotherham UTD's decision to ban the fan who racially abused Gillingham goalkeeper Kelvin Jack, just before the second half of The Gills' defeat by Rotherham at Millmoor.

Jepson said: "It is rightly so. It was scandalous and I feel for Kelvin Jack. That has got no place in the game whatsoever. I spoke to the fourth official and he, in turn, spoke to the Police and they dealt with it.

"I didn't want us or Kelvin to get involved. Kelvin was big enough and man enough not to get involved anymore and left it to the authorities to deal with. I am really pleased that they have. Kelvin and the physio were both telling me that one or two people in the Rotherham crowd has pointed this lad out to the authorities to be; that is very pleasing."

The positive and swift move by Rotherham should be backed by The FA, meaning they should avoid punishment. The Trinidian goalkeeper informed referee Steve Bratt following the incident just before the start of the second half. Bratt then informed the fourth official before finally starting the half.

Paul Douglas, Rotherham's Chief Operating Officer, said: "We have imposed a lifetime ban on him and we have informed all other clubs in this area of his name," said Douglas.
"We condemn this sort of behavior and will not tolerate it, in fact our stewards operate a zero tolerance on this matter.
"It is immensely disappointing that there should be anything like this and I am sure all our supporters will condone our actions."

Bratt is expected to have included the incident in his post match report, and The FA are expected to have study the incident and get confirmation of the incident from The Gills 'keeper Kelvin Jack.

"I represent Rotherham as one of six clubs on the diversity advocacy group at the Football League which is working towards increasing the diversity of those involved in football at all levels," said Douglas. "We are totally committed at this club to ending racial abuse and will continue to work towards helping eliminate it."

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